Today

Isaiah 54:4-5

Those servants who refuse to get bogged down in and anchored to the past are those who pursue the objectives of the future. People who do this are seldom petty. They are too involved in getting a job done to be occupied with yesterday's hurts and concerns. Very near the end of his full and productive life, Paul wrote: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). What a grand epitaph! He seized every day by the throat. He relentlessly pursued life.

Bishnoi gang: Experts say fear of Indian syndicate has existed for years in Canada

Alleged members of an Indian gang and its leader have been sending shivers down the spines of members of the South Asian diaspora in Canada for years, says a city councillor in Richmond, B.C.

Kash Heed said the Bishnoi gang, led by Lawrence Bishnoi, gained notoriety and instilled fear among Indian Canadians well before the RCMP accused the syndicate this week of orchestrating violent crimes on Canadian soil.

No clear winner in B.C. election, Conservative leader says province 'changed forever'

There was no clear winner in Saturday's British Columbia election, but the leader of the B.C. Conservatives says the province's political landscape has "changed forever," after his party pushed the incumbent New Democrats to the brink.

Neither party won enough seats to claim a majority, and vote counting was set to continue Sunday, with Premier David Eby's NDP in striking range of a minority government if he gets the co-operation of the Greens, who won two seats.

Potential recounts mean it could be next week before the winner is decided.

Verse of the Day: October 20

Psalm 51:12

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Short and sweet

James 4:13-17

Average lifespans are shorter than most of us realize. For instance, a facelift lasts only six to 10 years; a dollar bill lasts for only 18 months; a painted line on the road remains only three to four months; and a tornado seldom lasts more than 10 minutes.

There are differences of opinion, but most agree that the human lifespan averages somewhere between 75 and 80 years. That may sound encouraging to the young and disturbing to those in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. The simple fact is, however, nobody knows for sure how long he or she may live.

AFN votes on way forward after $47.8 billion child welfare reform deal is defeated

The executive team from the Assembly of First Nations will meet in the coming days to discuss how to proceed with new negotiations for a child welfare reform deal after chiefs voted against the government's proposed $47.8 billion agreement at a meeting in Calgary Thursday.

AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, who had helped negotiate the deal and pushed for it to be approved, was blunt in her assessment of the outcome in her closing remarks to the special chiefs assembly Friday.

Anthony Hopkins starring in Netflix film about nativity story

With a unique perspective directly from Mary, the mother of Jesus, a new film is hitting Netflix this winter. 

The film, executively produced by pastor, author, and speaker, Joel Osteen, is simply called Mary. It follows the story of Mary and Joseph after their son Jesus is born, as the family flees from King Herod’s deadly pursuit. 

Golden Globe award-winning actor Anthony Hopkins portrays King Herod, while Israeli actress Noa Cohen plays the lead as Mary. 

Mary Aloe is another producer on the film that was shot in Morocco. 

Verse of the Day: October 19

Psalm 37:4

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sharing your testimony

Acts 22:1-21

A time-honoured, effective method of evangelism is your personal testimony. Just telling about your spiritual pilgrimage. The skeptic may deny your doctrine or attack your church, but he cannot honestly ignore the fact that your life has been cleaned up and revolutionized.

Now I'm not talking about some stale, dragged-out verbal marathon. That kind of testimony never attracted anyone! I'm speaking of an effective, powerful missile launched from your lips to the ears of the unsaved. Consider these five suggestions: